scared to go places

Fourth vote for google maps! But sometimes I get a cornfield in the results.... Hehehehe

Mikeeee

 

One thing to remember about GM is that many of the satellite images are years old. If you are dispatched to a brand new warehouse... you might be looking at a cornfield in Google Maps....

 

Been trucking since the early 2000's and I still get apprehensive on occasion. Just recognize it and based on understanding why your worried, change that into a mindset that you're going to take your time, analyze the situation, and execute your plan. If it's docking in a tight spot, watch the other trucks setup and see how they do it. If it's traffic in big cities, slow down a little bit and take your time; no one can control the behavior / attitude of the motorists... you can control your own mental state, though, and not let them dictate how you are going to feel. Don't be afraid. Drive like you're in command, and let that confidence fuel you when needed. It does get better, too. As you gain backing experience, you will start to feel some pride after being a pro and sticking that tight dock, or running rush hour through the dragon's lair. I look forward to some of those challenges now. Keeps things interesting.

 

This is the same with me. I am not new to driving but I am new to tankers. I have no shame checking climbing up on tank to make sure everything is tightened. From doom lid to wash out valves. Not to mention each time I stop for fuel or what ever I walk around my truck looking at lights and tires. People will laugh but I rather be safe than sorry any day. Glad for most part I don't do backing but on yard when dropping trailer. Ever see superior carrior guy in truck stop checking everything might just be me and my paranoid self. Head up.

 

If you nean nervous that is ok, even after 22 yrs I get nervous some times before I get to a new place to pickup oe deliver thats normal it helps you to stay alert and conscious of your surroundings and can even help with your concentration.

 

This is why I say this job can be psychological torture especially for a newer driver. You never know what surprise awaits you at the next stop. Wait until they send you in the middle of Chicago in the middle of rush hour.

 

Google navigation has found addresses that my rand 710 would not...

Mikeeee

 

Please don't become an owner operator just because you want to pick your own freight. Being an owner operator has the first word of "owner". You are owning a business. You need to understand how the industry works and how freight is run. First learn to drive the truck. You are still doing the same job as a company driver that is driving for a living. Ownership just means that you are willing to accept all the financial demands of owning a business. After you learn to drive the truck then start by running your truck as it was your own. Learn what you can while someone else is paying for fuel, repairs and maintenance. Once you get the idea then get some rainy day money put aside for the unforeseen problems that come with business. Then see if you are still interested in trying it on your own.

 

Intermodal has 53 ft trailers too.

 

the fear will pass in time. every driver is scared of backing at first. once you go to a few places with terrible docks or entry. for me, backing into a dock didn't bother me. backing into the only space in the truck stop at 2 or 3 in the morning. the made me nervous. as any real driver that has been out there for 10+ years. and one thing any driver can tell you. nobody is perfect at backing. so just take your time